At SkyVision Centers, we are proud to offer the latest advances in corneal surgery to help restore and improve vision for our patients. The cornea—the clear, front window of the eye—plays a critical role in focusing light and, therefore, in seeing clearly. When the cornea becomes cloudy, scarred, or swollen, vision can become blurred or cloudy. When that happens, a corneal transplant may be recommended.
Thanks to modern techniques, we can now tailor corneal transplantation surgery to replace only the specific layers of the cornea that are affected, leading to faster recovery and better outcomes.
Here are the main types of corneal transplants:
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK), which is also known as a Full-Thickness Transplant, is the traditional form of corneal transplantation, where the entire central cornea is replaced with a donor cornea.
• Indications: Deep scars, advanced keratoconus, or when all layers of the cornea are affected.
• Benefits: Long history of success, proven to restore vision for diseases that involve all layers of the cornea.
• Considerations: Long recovery—often taking 1-1.5 years—and stitches usually remain for several months. The patient may also need to wear specialty contact lenses for the best vision afterwards.
Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) replaces the innermost layer of the cornea (the endothelium) with a thin layer of donor tissue.
• Indications: Conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy or persistent corneal swelling after cataract surgery, especially in patients who have had multiple other surgeries in the past.
• Benefits: Lower complication rate, smaller incision, fewer stitches, faster healing than a full transplant.
• Considerations: The donor tissue is attached to the patient’s cornea using an air bubble, so there are typically a few days of positioning face up after surgery.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) is the most advanced form of corneal transplant, replacing only the endothelial cell layer and its membrane. This tissue is extremely thin, measuring less than 0.02 millimetres thick.
• Indications: Similar conditions to DSEK, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy or corneal edema.
• Benefits: Thinner graft, quicker recovery, and often even sharper vision compared to DSEK.
• Considerations: More technically complex surgery, but with excellent long-term results.
Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK) is a new and advanced treatment for Keratoconus. It is the only corneal transplant that doesn’t replace part of the cornea but is added to it. The procedure involves using a laser to add a thin segment of individually custom-prepared donor tissue into the cornea to improve its shape.
• Indications: Keratoconus or corneal irregularity after refractive surgery, especially those who are not happy with their vision in glasses or contacts
• Benefits: Customized, no stitches, no risk of rejection
• Considerations: More severe cases may not be candidates, so it is important to have early detection and patients often still need glasses or specialty contact lenses afterward for their best vision.
Choosing the Right Approach
The best type of corneal transplant depends on your diagnosis, eye health, and visual goals. At SkyVision Centers, we take a personalized approach to surgery, offering the full spectrum of modern corneal transplantation so that each patient receives the treatment that fits their needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cloudy vision, corneal swelling, scarring, or other corneal disease, schedule a consultation with our cornea specialist, Dr Serels, to learn about your options. With today’s advanced techniques, restoring clear vision is more possible than ever.
